Winter-tude

I think we all got a bit Spring-sick last week when the thermometer was tipping 60 degrees. Or at least, I know I was. But we are back to the way things are meant to be, cold, frosty, crisp. At my house the sun is shining across the top of the trees, so that gives me hope for a decent day. So, you may be wondering, why talk about the weather? We are all friends and surely there is something more important to talk about. There most likely is, but as I sit in the dining room, drinking my cup of protein-laced decaf, I am surrounded by windows. Since the sun is already up and I am not looking into a black abyss, which is how I feel when its dark and dreary outside, my mood is lifted by sunshine. It is a proven fact that our mood and demeanor is affected by sunlight, or lack there of. More people are depressed and inactive in the winter months, not just because it is cold, but because they do not get enough natural light.

Considering that, I have to wonder why God designed the earth, the universe, the seasons, the way he did. I have no doubt he had his reasons. In nature, this dormant period gives plants and animals a chance to regroup, to mature and in some cases to reproduce to be ready for an explosion of life in the Spring. I think in some ways, we human beings are much the same. Maybe we get a little extra rest during the winter because there are no 'fields' to tend. There is less light, so less time to spend outdoors, and it is cold so who would really want to. We have more time to spend in the company of family and friends. More time to spend with God, in his Word. This too, is our time to rest, regroup, to mature and in some cases, reproduce. There are always lots of babies born in the late summer and early fall when the winters are particularly cold, so watch out!

Take this time of 'hibernation' and use it to its fullest extent. Spend quality time with your loved ones and most especially with God. I pray each of you find a church to call home today. That you spend some time in worship and in study. Make connections to other members of the family of God. It is what he created us for! Relationship!